THE ROLE OF WORK FORCE DIVERSITY ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE (IN CASE OF WOLKITE UNIVERSITY )

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the role of workforce diversity on employee performance. The descriptive research design method was adopted for the study. The study centered on the Wolkite University admistrasion and the total population were 943 concerned on the level of diversity practiced in terms of primary and secondary level of diversity. Wolkite University was the case area of this study. A total of 90 copies of questionnaire were disseminated to the respondents of the study and they were filled. The data were collated and analyzed using descriptive method of data analyzing percentages and frequencies. Tables used to analyzing data through percentage and charts. The limitation to the study is that the study made use of only few aspects of workforce diversity and as such, findings cannot be generalized to cover other dimensions of diversity not covered in the study. The research findings showed all aspects of workforce diversity used in the study has a significant role to employee performance. It was also discovered that gender, age and educational diversity have strong role on employee performance. Hence, based on findings, it is recommended that management continue to uphold its diversity policies and practices in order to increase the benefits of diversity. Management should ensure that all employees are properly trained on diversity issues as these trainings will also help employees to change those unconscious behaviors that hinder diversity and inclusion practices. This study will add to the already existing literature on diversity and it will help wolkite University, other organizations, employees, government and the society as a whole to fully understand diversity issues, how to manage it and how to reap the benefits.